Why didn’t Khaleesi burn?
Daenerys Targaryen, also known as Khaleesi, survived the flames when her dragons were born thanks to a mysterious, magical mix of Mirri Maz Duur, sacrifice, and dragon eggs, which was a one-time event that made her immune to fire in that specific instance. This immunity to fire was not a permanent trait, but rather a result of the unique circumstances surrounding the birth of her dragons, and it has been clarified by George R.R. Martin that Targaryens are not immune to fire in general.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- Why is Daenerys immune to fire?: The idea that Daenerys was “fireproof” was an invention of Game of Thrones; it’s not from the books.
- Why didn’t Daenerys burn in the fire?: Dany is able to survive the fire in Season 1 due to a very specific blood magic ritual that included the sacrifice of Mirri Maz Duur.
- Is Daenerys the only Fireproof Targaryen?: Because Targaryens are not fireproof (Exhibit A – Viserys), in the books, she was “fireproof” only once – when she hatched her dragons.
Character-Specific Questions
- Why did Daenerys’ brother burn and she didn’t?: By Daenerys’ own admission, her brother was not a true dragon and so was burnt, but she – who shares the same parentage – did not succumb to the flames.
- Why did Daenerys go mad?: From the beginning to the ending of Game of Thrones, it was Westeros that failed her, and Daenerys lost everything in her quest for the Iron Throne.
Dragon-Related Questions
- Why can Targaryens control dragons?: The Dragonlords Used A Magical Horn To Control Their Dragons.
- Why can’t Daenerys control her dragons?: She fears she has lost control of them, and as they mature, they are not only getting more wild and aggressive, but their size and power is such that as they exert more will and aggression, she has no means to control them.
Plot-Specific Questions
- Does Daenerys know Jon Snow is a Targaryen?: Yes, Jon does reveal to Dany that he’s the son of her older brother Rhaegar Targaryen (and Lyanna Stark), thus making him her nephew.
- Was Jon Snow immune to fire?: No, Jon Snow is not immune to fire, in season 1, episode 8 he fought with a wight to protect Lord Commander Mormont.
World-Building Questions
- Are any other Targaryens immune to fire?: TARGARYENS ARE NOT IMMUNE TO FIRE! The birth of Dany’s dragons was unique, magical, wonderous, a miracle.
- Are Targaryens the only ones immune to fire?: This is not about any particular character or scene, I’ve seen it asked after episodes 1, 3, and 6. No Targaryens are not all immune to fire.
Additional Questions
- Why did Daenerys burn everything?: Essentially, the reason Daenerys burned King’s Landing to the ground is that she had already lost everyone and everything dearest to her.
- Why did Missandei say Dracarys?: Dragon fire is one of the deadliest weapons you can get in Westeros, which makes “dracarys” pretty much synonymous with major death and destruction.
- Did Jon Snow love Daenerys?: DAENERYS: Asking Jon To Lie To His Family, after all, Jon and Daenerys remained in love and stayed together even after finding out that they were related.
- Why did Drogon spare Jon Snow?: Game of Thrones’ Drogon chose not to kill Jon Snow because of his Targaryen blood, his love for Daenerys, and Drogon’s possible understanding that while Jon committed the act, he wasn’t the reason for Daenerys’ death at the end of Game of Thrones.